British diplomat in Cambodia hurt by landmine
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A BRITISH diplomat in Cambodia was injured yesterday when the helicopter he was travelling in crash-landed on a landmine.
Lawrence Pickup, Britain's number two in Phnom Penh, suffered minor cuts and bruises when he and a number of journalists were sent tumbling from the Cambodian army helicopter. Foreign Office officials said the deputy head of mission appeared to have had a lucky escape.
Mr Pickup had been travelling in the north of Cambodia, close to the Thai border, to interview defecting Khmer Rouge guerrillas, who he believed might have had information about the missing landmine clearance expert Christopher Howes. Mr Howes, from Bristol, went missing two years ago when he was seized by gunmen, believed to belong to the rebels. Defecting Khmer Rouge guerrillas gave up control of the ancient Preah Vihear temple to government forces earlier this week, and the official hoped someone might have information on Mr Howes.
The MI-8 transport helicopter was coming in to land at the mountain-top Preah Vihear ruins on the Thai border when it became entangled in wire and crash-landed. The aircraft's tail then set off a landmine, an airforce official said. The aircraft was apparently beyond repair.
Britain's ambassador to Cambodia, George Edgar, confirmed that Mr Pickup suffered cuts and bruises.
The news of the accident came as the Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, last night opened an exhibition at the Imperial War Museum in south London, dedicated to depicting the human cost of the use of landmines. The guests at the reception included Paul Burrell, the former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana campaigned passionately against anti-personnel landmines and it is to hermemory that the exhibition is dedicated.
Mr Cook saw protective body armour worn by the princess when she visited Angola to further the drive against landmines, as well as TV news footage of her campaigning.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments